Integrity in Public Officials

Occasionally we find an individual who is seeking to hold high office in business, in education, or in government. Such a person may claim to be worthy of trust, may insist that he or she would not cheat the public, or misrepresent them, or mislead them, or break faith with them. In assessing the sincerity of these expressions, the integrity of the person concerned, we may ask ourselves, What does that individual do with a private trust? A good measure is to determine how he keeps covenants relating to his family.

While one could not excuse, one perhaps could understand, that it would be somewhat easier to steal from, cheat on, or misrepresent to an anonymous stranger, or the "public," than it would be to do so to someone very close to you, someone with whom you live, someone with whom you have entered into covenants. But however that may be, one who is not faithful to his marriage partner and to his family is hardly worthy of confidence and trust. If he could cheat on marriage vows, counting perhaps on forgiveness and tolerance that may have been extended at times, surely he must stand unworthy of any great public trust. And he cannot reasonably claim that his dealings in this situation are a private matter, having no bearing on integrity before the public. They do indeed have a very great bearing.

- Elder Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple, 167

Procrastination and Time

"There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is “not this day.”...The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time. The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought “Someday I will” can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity."

--Henry B. Eyring, "This Day", Ensign, May 2007, 89–91

AUNT RUBY'S CARROT CAKE

This is simply the BEST carrot cake recipe you will ever find.  Aunt Ruby proved recipes for the Lion House and used to be a professional recipe editor.  This is really yummy!

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups raw carrots, grated*

1 cup crushed pineapple with juice

3 cups flour

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons soda

1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon

1 ½ cups raisins (optional)

½ cup shredded coconut

¾ cup chopped nuts

Set oven to 350 degrees and grease a 12” x 17” x 2” pan OR a 9” x 13” an 8” x 8” pan OR in three 8” x 8” pans.  Mix above ingredients and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

*Grated raw carrots for this recipe may be substituted with 2 bottles of JUNIOR size baby food carrots.  It makes life easier.

Trials form our character and destiny

"It is often in the trial of adversity that we learn those most critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny."

--Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy", Ensign, Nov 2009, 55–58

Blueberry Corn Cake

I made this today for a church function and had a lot of requests for the recipe.  It is an unusual dessert because it is a little hearty and not as sweet as desserts usually are.  Not having blueberries on hand I decided to make it with blackberries instead of blueberries, but it is equally tasty with raspberries. You can also try dried blueberries or cranberries.  Served with a dollop of lemon curd or lemon yogurt, or a scoop of lemon gelato, this dessert becomes worthy of a fancy dinner party.  Or simply use a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
6 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cornmeal, and baking powder. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the cream, melted butter, and egg. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients just until blended, then stir in the blueberries. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Bake until the cake is firm and golden, 20 to 23 minutes. Let cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

6 servings

Notes:  I am not one to ever follow a recipe exactly, so here are a few of the changes I make with it, besides altering the fruit as I mentioned above.  First, usually I add a bit of salt and vanilla to round out the flavor.  Also, this recipe can be a little dry if overcooked, so I sometimes add a bit of applesauce or use a little more butter.  I also use milk (usually powdered) instead of cream, since I rarely have cream (or even milk) at home.  A little lemon essential oil is also very compatible with the other flavors.  When I want to make it extra-hearty I add grated Parmesan cheese (the good kind of course, never that nasty powdered stuff) and chunks of mozzarella (I know it sounds strange, but it works really well.  One of these days I may make it with the cheese and without the fruit.).  Generally I double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 cake pan since it goes so fast.

Having Christ "Formed" In Us

"It is possible for Christ to be born in men’s lives, and when such an experience actually happens, a man is “in Christ”—Christ is “formed” in him. This presupposes that we take Christ into our hearts and make Him the living contemporary of our lives. He is not just a general truth or a fact in history, but the Savior of men everywhere and at all times. When we strive to be Christlike, He is “formed” in us; if we open the door, He will enter; if we seek His counsel, He will counsel us. For Christ to be “formed” in us, we must have a belief in Him and in His Atonement. Such a belief in Christ and the keeping of His commandments are not restraints upon us. By these, men are set free. This Prince of Peace waits to give peace of mind, which may make each of us a channel of that peace."

--Howard W. Hunter, "The Real Christmas", Liahona Dec 2005, 12

Gratitude

"Gratitude is of the very essence of worship. … When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives”. Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love."

--Gordan B Hinckley, "With a Grateful Heart", Liahona, Aug 1999, 25